Glossary
Terms frequently used by FEMA. In a few instances, standard insurance industry terms have been added for additional focus and emphasis.
See Standard Flood Insurance Policy–General Property Form.
Property that is owned by government for reasons including foreclosure and prior ownership. This applies to governments at all levels, including local, State and Federal, and applies to single family units as well as multi-family units.
The lowest or highest finished ground level that is immediately adjacent to the walls of the building. Use natural (pre-construction), ground level, if available, for Zone AO and Zone A (without BFE).
An exemption based on circumstances previously existing.
• Under NFIP statutory grandfathering, buildings located in Emergency Program communities and Pre-FIRM buildings in the Regular Program are eligible for subsidized flood insurance rates.
• Under NFIP administrative grandfathering, Post-FIRM buildings in the Regular Program built in compliance with the floodplain management regulations in effect at the start of construction will continue to have favorable rate treatment even though higher Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) or more restrictive, greater risk zone designations result from Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) revisions. Policyholders who have remained loyal customers of the NFIP by maintaining continuous coverage (since coverage was first obtained on the building) are also eligible for administrative grandfathering.
Official document signed by the authorized official stating the amount, the terms and conditions of an award for a discretionary grant or cooperative agreement.
Programs of discretionary or formula grants and/or cooperative agreements administered by a federal agency.
An individual or organization awarded financial assistance under one of the federal discretionary grant programs.
Issued by the NFIP Direct Program in response to a Presidential disaster declaration. Disaster assistance applicants, in exchange for a modest premium, receive a minimum amount of building and/or contents coverage for a 3-year policy period. An applicant may cancel the group policy at any time and secure a regular Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) through the NFIP.
General Services Administration.
Attached Garages A garage attached to a residential structure or in an enclosed area below an elevated building may have the garage floor slab below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Because such a garage is an enclosed area below the BFE, openings are required either in the exterior walls of the garage or in the garage doors themselves.
Below-grade Parking Garages Below grade parking garages are only allowed in non-residential buildings in Zones A1-30, AE, AH, and AO and must be dry floodproofed. The construction of below grade parking garages is prohibited beneath residential buildings. Below-grade parking garages are prohibited beneath all residential and non-residential buildings in V Zones.
Detached Garages Small detached garages for residential uses may qualify as Accessory Structures under the NFIP.
National Flood Insurance Program Requirements
- 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
- (a) (1) - Development Permit
- (a) (3) - Reasonably Safe From Flooding
- (c) (2) - A Zone Residential Buildings
- (c) (3) - A Zone Nonresidential Buildings
- (c) (4) - Floodproofing Certification
- (c) (5) - Openings
Government Emergency Telecommunications Service